Washington, December 17, 2024 - The first subregional workshop in the Caribbean focused on implementing the global plan "Defeat Meningitis by 2030" was held in St. Lucia from 19 to 20 November. The workshop was jointly organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) through its regional office, the office in Barbados, and the World Health Organization (WHO). This event brought together health professionals, policymakers, and experts from 14 Caribbean countries.
Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord membranes. It represents a major cause of death and disability in the Americas, especially in vulnerable populations.
The WHO developed the global roadmap aimed at "defeating meningitis by 2030" to move towards a world without meningitis, for which they established three objectives: i) eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis; ii) reduce the number of cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70%; and iii) reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis. In early 2025, WHO is expected to publish new guidelines on diagnosing, treating, and caring for meningitis.
PAHO provides technical cooperation to countries to advance the implementation of the global roadmap to defeat meningitis, and several countries in the Americas are actively developing their national plans against meningitis.
During the workshop, participants discussed progress and challenges in the region. Needs such as strengthening diagnostic and treatment systems and improving capacities to provide comprehensive care to affected patients with sequelae were highlighted. Key tools were also presented for countries to develop national plans adapted to their contexts. Highlights included group work to identify specific challenges and strategies across the roadmap pillars and interactive plenary sessions that encouraged the exchange of experiences.
The workshop also included a session dedicated to the Global Intersectoral Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP), which aims to improve comprehensive care for neurological diseases. Participants discussed how IGAP goals intersect with efforts to defeat meningitis, highlighting the importance of integrating neurological services into existing health systems.
As a result of the meeting, concrete steps were outlined, including the proposal to adapt global clinical practice guidelines to the region, strengthening the competencies of health personnel, and implementing standardized tools for detecting sequelae.
PAHO will continue to support countries in raising awareness among key stakeholders and integrating meningitis into the national health agenda, moving toward the goal of defeating this disease by 2030.
